Millions of broadband customers are at risk of overpaying
By Jason Burdette | Financial Advisor| Tuesday 23rd March 2021
Latest research shows far too many broadband customers find prices confusing and lack track transparency
- 75% of UK customers are overpaying.
- Less than 19% of customers make entitled changes after their contract ends – despite being overcharged!
- 41% of customers don’t make any changes over and above 10 years.
- Many broadband companies only give you a fair price for 6 months.
- Switching broadband companies could save you hundreds of pounds every year.
- Over 8.8 million broadband are out of broadband contract this year and could make significant savings on a new broadband deal.
“As many as 75% of broadband users in the UK are overpaying for a service not provided or used efficiently”
Research conducted by Which? has shown that 75% of broadband customers could be at risk of overpaying for their broadband. We found that only one in five customers always make changes when their broadband contract ends, meaning the majority are at risk of paying higher ‘standard’ tariffs.
Controversy from broadband providers increases customer confusion and frustration.
Ofcom found that those on an introductory deal typically pay £8-9 less per month than customers who stay out of contract. In separate analysis of broadband deals on the market in September, we found that the worst example saw customers facing a whopping 88% price hike.
Broadband deals typically last 12, 18 or 24 months. Once this period is up, customers usually get moved onto a rolling deal automatically. For those with the UK’s largest providers, the end of a contract typically also means an increase in price from an ‘introductory’ deal to a ‘standard’ tariff.
Being out of contract might sound better – not having a fixed-term contract with a provider makes you free to switch at will. It will most suit those whose circumstances may change in the next few months. But entering a new contract (with your current provider or a new one) is probably the better option – in the majority of cases, it will mean you will pay less.
What can broadband providers do more?
Ofcom have forced providers to send end of contract notifications to customers from February 2020. Notifications will mean that people won’t end up paying more simply because they forgot their contract was coming to an end.
The UK’s major providers also recently made a series of commitments to help ensure customers aren’t being overcharged for their broadband service.
However, we think there’s more providers could do to help consumers make better decisions about which broadband package to go for…
New contract, same deal, worse price
We have to ask why they aren’t making changes to their broadband contract when it ends! Half of those who rarely or never make changes may think they are happy with their provider and/or deal so don’t feel a need to do anything.
A quarter have stated it’s because they didn’t want to change providers. However, it’s possible to reduce the price on your deal without having to change anything else.
Negotiating with your provider can sound intimidating, but it only needs to involve a simple chat to review your options. There’s no need to switch or change the service you receive if you decide not to. If you don’t feel comfortable picking up the phone, you can usually contact your provider using live chat instead. In most cases, providers will offer you a discount if you sign up for a new fixed-term period – meaning you’re back in contract again.
Alternatively you can find out which broadband provider is right for you here.
What is stopping you?
